Measuring tape with improved standout

ABSTRACT

A blade for a measuring tape device may include a first end configured to extend from a housing of the measuring tape device through an aperture, a second end configured to be wound on a reel assembly within the housing, and a first cupped portion having a first amount of cupping over a selected portion of a longitudinal length of the blade. The first cupped portion may be defined by a curved portion extending from an apex of the curved portion toward lateral edges of the blade, and wings extending from each of the lateral edges toward the curved portion on each side of the apex. The curved portion includes a first radius proximate to the apex of the curved portion, and a second radius at a point spaced apart from the apex on both sides of the apex, the second radius being different than the first radius.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. Nos.62/563,343 filed Sep. 26, 2017 and 62/645,647 filed Mar. 20, 2018, theentire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Example embodiments generally relate to measuring tape devices, andparticularly relate to a measuring tape that has increased standout.

BACKGROUND

Measuring tapes have been around for a very long time, and are commonmeasuring tools used in numerous contexts to obtain linear measurements.Measuring tapes can come in many forms and may be made of cloth, fiberglass, metal, plastic, or the like. The materials used are oftendictated by the specific measuring application. For example, tailors anddressmakers typically use a flexible tape that can be easily manipulatedbetween two hands to measure a distance therebetween. However, forconstruction or carpentry applications, a stiff and often metallic tapeis preferred to allow the measuring tape to be extended between an afirst location at which one end of the tape is anchored, and thelocation of the user at whose location the measuring tape is paid outfrom a reel assembly. The reel assembly may have a manual retractingmechanism or a self-retracting mechanism, typically depending upon thelength of the measuring tape. For relatively short measuring tapes(e.g., 12 ft or 25 ft), self-retracting mechanisms are very common. Forvery long measuring tapes (e.g., larger than 100 ft), a manualretracting mechanism is typically employed.

For nearly a century, metallic tape ribbons with a curved (or cupped)and relatively stiff construction have been preferred for use inself-retracting measuring tapes. The metallic tape ribbon tends to beflexible enough to permit the metallic tape ribbon to be wound onto aspring loaded reel assembly, but stiff enough to have a relatively longstandout. The cupping of the metallic tape ribbon further enhances thestandout without negatively impacting the ability of the metallic taperibbon to be wound onto the reel assembly. By employing an end hook atone end of the tape, the user may take advantage of the standout to payout the measuring tape toward an anchor point on a medium that is to bemeasured and then conduct the measurement without having to physicallymove to the anchor point to affix the end hook and then move away tomake the measurement. Given the time and energy that can be saved bythis method of measurement, taking advantage of the standoutcharacteristics of a self-retracting measuring tape is a very popularfeature. So much so, in fact, that it is not uncommon to see a user makemultiple attempts to utilize standout and catch a remote end of mediabeing measured with the end hook, rather than simply moving to theremote end of the media to manually fix the end hook to the remote end.When the standout is poor, and the user has to use multiple attempts, orfails and must resort to moving to the remote end to affix the end hook,frustration may grow, and the user may seek out a measuring tape withbetter standout characteristics. Invariably, each measuring tape willhave a certain length that effectively defines the maximum standout thatcan be achieved before the tape bends and basically collapses. Themeasuring tape can no longer be extended reliably toward the anchorpoint once this collapse occurs. However, as noted above, many userswould prefer to reattempt to affix the anchor point without moving,sometimes numerous times, than to physically move to the anchor pointand attach the end hook to the anchor point. Thus, having a superiorstandout could be a powerfully attractive feature for a measuring tape.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

Some example embodiments may enable the provision of a longer thannormal standout for a measuring tape by providing unique geometriccharacteristics to at least a segment of a blade portion of themeasuring tape. Thus, for example, user experience associated with useof the measuring tape (and standout) may be improved.

In an example embodiment, a measuring tape device is provided. Themeasuring tape device may include a housing having an aperture, a reelassembly, and a blade. The blade may include a first end configured toextend from the housing through the aperture, a second end configured tobe wound on the reel assembly, and a first cupped portion having a firstamount of cupping over a selected portion of a longitudinal length ofthe blade. The first cupped portion may be defined by a curved portionextending from an apex of the curved portion toward lateral edges of theblade, and wings extending from each of the lateral edges toward thecurved portion on each side of the apex. The curved portion includes afirst radius proximate to the apex of the curved portion, and a secondradius at a point spaced apart from the apex on both sides of the apex,the second radius being different than the first radius.

In another example embodiment, a blade for a measuring tape device isprovided. The blade may include a first end configured to extend from ahousing of the measuring tape device through an aperture, a second endconfigured to be wound on a reel assembly within the housing, and afirst cupped portion having a first amount of cupping over a selectedportion of a longitudinal length of the blade. The first cupped portionmay be defined by a curved portion extending from an apex of the curvedportion toward lateral edges of the blade, and wings extending from eachof the lateral edges toward the curved portion on each side of the apex.The curved portion includes a first radius proximate to the apex of thecurved portion, and a second radius at a point spaced apart from theapex on both sides of the apex, the second radius being different thanthe first radius.

In another example embodiment, a blade for a measuring tape device isprovided. The blade may include a first end configured to extend from ahousing of the measuring tape device through an aperture, a second endconfigured to be wound on a reel assembly within the housing, and afirst cupped portion having a first amount of cupping over a selectedportion of a longitudinal length of the blade. The first cupped portionmay be defined by a curved portion extending from an apex of the curvedportion toward lateral edges of the blade, and wings extending from eachof the lateral edges toward the curved portion on each side of the apex.The curved portion includes a radius proximate to the apex of the curvedportion, and a length of the radius increases as distance from the apexincreases on both sides of the apex.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a measuring tape device inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the measuring tape device inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a longitudinal cross section view of a blade portionof a measuring tape device in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a transversal cross section view of the blade portionof the measuring tape device outside a critical region in accordancewith an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a transversal cross section view of the blade portionof the measuring tape device at the critical region in accordance withan example embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of making a measuring tape device having animproved blade standout in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 7, which is defined by FIGS. 7A and 7B, illustrates a chart ofvarious characteristics of a number of samples of blades includingblades of an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a combination chart showing curve height in avertical bar chart for each respective measuring tape device shown inFIG. 7 in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a combination chart having the same vertical barchart of FIG. 8 with thickness also plotted, except that each bar nowshows standout instead of collapse force in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a chart showing a number of characteristics measuredalong with a variance of some of those characteristics measured to thetreated tape 1 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 shows a graph of load on the apex to collapse the blade andvertical displacement on the vertical axis, with respect to time on thehorizontal axis in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a chart showing standout and collapse forcemeasurements for each of the measuring tape devices mentioned above inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 13, which is defined by FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D, illustratescross sections for untreated tape 1 (i.e., FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C) andfor treated tape 1 (i.e., FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13D) in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 14, which is defined by FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D, illustratescross sections for untreated tape 2 (i.e., FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C) andfor treated tape 2 (i.e., FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14D) in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 15, which is defined by FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C, illustrates crosssections for comparison tape 1 in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 16, which is defined by FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C, illustrates crosssections for comparison tape 2 in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 17, which is defined by FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C, illustrates crosssections for comparison tape 3 in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 18, which is defined by FIGS. 18A and 18B, illustrates a shotpeening assembly in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 19 illustrates a bead brush assembly for performing cold working ofone side of the blade in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 20 illustrates a laser etching assembly for relieving residualsurface stress on one side of the blade in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates a water blasting assembly for relieving residualsurface stress on one side of the blade in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 22, which is defined by FIGS. 22A and 22B, shows a droop testmethodology for determining a breakthrough standout in accordance withan example embodiment;

FIG. 23, which is defined by FIGS. 23A and 23B, shows a droop testmethodology for determining a breakthrough standout in accordance withan example embodiment

FIG. 24, which is defined by FIGS. 24A and 24B, shows a droop testmethodology for determining a breakthrough standout in accordance withan example embodiment;

FIG. 25, which is defined by FIGS. 25A and 25B, shows a droop testmethodology for determining a breakthrough standout in accordance withan example embodiment; and

FIG. 26, which is defined by FIGS. 26A, 26B and 26C, illustratesmeasurements taken along sample blades in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allexample embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described andpictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to thescope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather,these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure willsatisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer tolike elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” isto be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true wheneverone or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable couplingshould be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, ineither case, enables functional interconnection of components that areoperably coupled to each other.

As indicated above, some example embodiments may relate to the provisionof a measuring tape device that may have an improved blade standout.However, merely improving standout can be accomplished in a number ofdifferent ways. One relatively simple way to improve standout is toimprove the thickness of the blade. Obviously, increasing the thicknessof a blade that is made of metal will also substantially increase theweight of the measuring tape device and possibly also constrain length.Thus, it is sometimes not merely desirable to increase standout, but tohave the longest possible standout, with the lowest possible weight.Achieving a balance between weight and standout is not necessarily astraightforward design achievement. Thus, some example embodimentsattempt to strike a balance between weight and standout in order toprovide a relatively thin blade that still retains superior standoutqualities. This may be accomplished by employing a tape having variousunique structural characteristics that result from treatments such asincreased cupping and/or surface treatment on one side of the bladewhere the treatment is provided over at least a segment of the blade ata critical region or zone. However, the unique structuralcharacteristics could alternatively be applied over the entire length ofthe blade in some cases. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of ameasuring tape device, and FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of suchdevice, in accordance with an example embodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a measuring tape device 100 of anexample embodiment may include a housing 110 inside which a reelassembly 120 and a self-retraction assembly 130 may be provided. A blade140 (or tape) portion of the device 100 may be wound onto the reelassembly 120. The blade 140 may be paid out through an aperture 150formed in the housing 110. Although not required, in some cases, alocking assembly 160 may be provided to enable the reel assembly 120 tobe locked to prevent the self-retraction assembly 130 from retractingthe blade 140 when the locking assembly 160 is engaged.

The blade 140 has an end hook 170 disposed at one end thereof, and isaffixed to the reel assembly 120 at the other end of the blade 140. Theend hook 170 may be affixed (temporarily) to an anchor point on a mediumthat is to be measured. Once the end hook 170 is affixed to the anchorpoint, the blade 140 may be paid out of the aperture 150 and unwoundfrom the reel assembly 120. When a desired length of the blade 140 hasbeen paid out, the user can make any necessary markings, readings, etc.,associated with measuring scale markings that may be printed on theblade 140. The measuring scale markings generally measure length fromthe end hook 170 in one or more units, with divisions and subdivisionsof such units clearly marked on the blade 140.

By fixing the end hook 170 to the anchor point, the self-retractionassembly 130 (which may be spring loaded in some cases) may be preventedfrom retracting the paid out portions of the blade 140 into the housing110 (via the aperture 150). Similarly, when the locking assembly 160 isengaged, a force (e.g., a pinching force) may be placed on the blade 140to prevent retraction or motion of the reel assembly 120 may otherwisebe inhibited to prevent the self-retraction assembly 130 from retractingthe paid out portions of the blade 140. However, when the end hook 170is not anchored and the locking assembly 160 is not engaged, theself-retraction assembly 130 may cause the reel assembly 120 to wind theblade 140 back onto the reel assembly 120.

As mentioned above, for a typical measuring tape, when the blade 140 ispaid out through the aperture 150, the blade 140 will extend relativelystraight out the aperture 150 (although some sagging or droop may benoticed due to the weight of the blade 140). The blade 140 can beextended in a guided fashion toward an intended target anchor pointwhile the blade 140 continues to have sufficient rigidity to standout.The blade 140 will continue to extend and standout until the weight ofthe blade 140 extended past the aperture 150 is sufficient to cause theblade 140 to collapse and bend, thereby losing its rigidity andpreventing any further guided extension. The loss of sufficient rigiditywhich causes collapse and bending of the blade 140 generally occurs at aportion of the blade 140 that can be referred to as a “critical region”since it can occur at slightly different points (but generally in thesame region) on different extension operations, and on differentindividual measuring tapes.

A typical blade may be made to have the same width and height (orthickness), and same amount of cupping across its entire length.However, it may be possible to increase the standout capabilities of theblade 140 by changing certain characteristics of the blade 140 atcertain strategic locations along the length of the blade 140. Forexample, the cupping may be increased over an area covering or otherwiseproximate to the critical region of the blade 140 to enable the blade140 to retain its rigidity and avoid collapsing to achieve greaterstandout. Of note, typical blades are cupped as part of the normalmanufacturing process. For example, a coiled (flat) metal strip may beheated and drawn through a forming machine to generate cut strips ofmetal. The forming machine typically includes a circular portion aroundwhich the blade is bent longitudinally. By virtue of this process thatoccurs in most forming machines, the cupping of the blade generallyresults in a rounded portion (forming an apex along the longitudinalcenterline of the blade) and two wing portions extending longitudinallyon opposite sides of the rounded portion. The wing portions aregenerally flat, and are formed as a mirror image of each other. As such,the two wing portions each have the same width (measured in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of theblade). Meanwhile, the circular portion has a radius that is determinedby a radius of the surface around which the forming machine bends flatmetal strip during the forming process.

As noted above, after this initial cupping operation is completed,additional cupping (at least over the critical region) may increasestandout. There may be a number of ways to achieve the capability forgreater standout using increased cupping strategies. One such way mayinclude the application of pressure along lateral edges of a portion ofthe blade 140 (presumably near the critical region). For example, twolong and straight walls may be provided on opposing sides of the blade140 after the blade 140 has initially been treated to provide cuppingthat is common to most blades (e.g., by the method described above or bywhatever method chosen). The two long and straight walls may then bemoved toward each other to bend the blade 140 even more than the cuppingthat was already provided. In other words, the degree of cupping oramount of curvature may be increased over the range that the two longand straight walls contact the lateral edges of the blade 140.

The increased curvature or cupping of the blade 140 provided by the twolong and straight walls may, however, have a positive impact onstandout, but may create other problems. For example, a distincttransition point where a prompt jump occurs between portions of theblade 140 having two different degrees of curvature or cupping may beformed at the point at which each of the two long and straight wallsterminated. Thus, four distinct transition points (two on each side ofthe blade 140 separated from each other by the length of the two longand straight walls) may be formed on the blade 140. These distincttransition points may get stuck on the aperture 150 during reeling ofthe blade 140 by the reel assembly 120. Transitions of this nature arealso likely to increase the tendency of the blade 140 to “roll” andbreak when the blade 140 is extended substantially vertically (asopposed to the typical extension horizontally). This method ofincreasing cupping also creates a relatively deep “V” shape (andcorresponding sharper apex) in the blade over the region that isundergoes this additional bending. Thus, it may be desirable to find away to increase cupping that does not result in prompt jump changes incurvature of the blade 140 or very deep V shapes or sharp apexes. Otheradvantages may also be achieved by increasing cupping in other ways.

In accordance with an example embodiment, the secondary bendingoperation described above may be avoided, and a different way ofincreasing cupping may be employed. In this regard, for example, theconvex side of the cupped blade may be surface treated in a stressrelieving operation. The surface treatment in this manner, whichrelieves stresses on one side of the blade, may alter blade geometriesand/or structural characteristics in ways that improve standout, butalso do so substantially in a way that does not require substantialincreases in blade weight. The changes to the shape and structuralcharacteristics of the blade will be described below in reference toFIGS. 13-17. However, a description of the general process of surfacetreatment of an example embodiment will first be described in referenceto FIGS. 3-5.

In this regard, FIG. 3 illustrates a longitudinal cross section view ofthe blade 140 to facilitate the definition of various regions of theblade 140, and to show one particular example embodiment for improvingstandout of the blade 140. FIG. 4 illustrates a transversal crosssection view of the blade 140 of FIG. 3, taken at either point A orpoint B of FIG. 3 (or taken at point C prior to the application ofsurface treatment (e.g., a stress relief operation) as describedherein). FIG. 5 illustrates a transversal cross section view of theblade 140 of FIG. 3 taken at point C (i.e., within the critical region)after surface treatment (e.g., stress relief operations) in accordancewith one example embodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, it can be appreciated that the blade 140 mayinclude a first non-critical region 200 disposed proximate to a firstend of the blade 140 and a second non-critical region 210 disposedproximate to a second end of the blade 140. The first end of the blade140 may extend from the end hook 170 to a start of a critical region220. The critical region 220 may then extend to meet the secondnon-critical region 210. The second non-critical region 210 may thenextend from the critical region 220 to the second end of the blade 140.Thus, the critical region 220 is disposed between the first and secondnon-critical regions 200 and 210.

In some cases, the critical region 220 may be disposed spaced apart fromthe end hook 170 by at least a particular distance that is determinedbased on a combination of factors including width of the blade 140,material used to form the blade 140, amount of cupping of the blade 140,thickness of the blade 140, etc. Thus, the critical region 220, which isa range of locations along the longitudinal length of the blade 140, mayslide closer to or farther from the end hook 170 with differentcombinations of the above listed factors, and may expand in size basedon the different combinations of the above listed factors. For mostcommon sizes of measuring tape devices, the critical region 220 may liein a range between about 8 feet to about 15 feet from the end hook 170.However, other ranges are possible. Table 1 below shows a number ofdimensions associated with blades that have been processed over atreated region (which may correspond to the critical region 220) using amethod of surface treatment of one side of the blade (e.g., performingstress relieve on the treated side) described below to show examples ofhow the factors described above may impact the critical region 220, andstandout that can be achieved by treating the critical region 220 usingthe techniques described herein.

Example Blade 1

-   -   Blade thickness @ 6′: 0.0055 in    -   Blade Width: 1.00″    -   Treated region: 77.5 in-136 in    -   Standout: 129 in

Example Blade 2

-   -   Blade thickness @ 6′: 0.0065 in    -   Blade Width: 1.1875″    -   Treated region: 107.25 in-162.5 in    -   Standout: 155

Example Blade 3

-   -   Blade thickness @ 6′: 0.0055 in    -   Blade Width: 1.00″    -   Treated region: 83 in-163 in    -   Standout: 128

Example Blade 4

-   -   Blade thickness @ 6′: 0.006 in    -   Blade Width: 1.1875″    -   Treated region: 107.5 in-162 in    -   Standout: 139

Example Blade 5

-   -   Blade thickness @ 6′: 0.006    -   Blade Width: 1.1875″    -   Treated region: 108 in-162 in    -   Standout: 138

Table 1

In an example embodiment, an amount of curvature or cupping of the blade140 in the first and second non-critical regions 200 and 210 may be lessthan the amount of curvature or cupping of the blade 140 in the criticalregion 220. By increasing the degree or amount of cupping in thecritical region 220 relative to the degree or amount of cupping in thefirst and second non-critical regions 200 and 210, the critical region220 may be more likely to maintain rigidity and avoid collapse on payoutof the blade 140 through the critical region 220. The blade 140 maytherefore have a longer standout. However, the increased cuppingprovided in the critical region 220 may be accomplished via a stressrelief operation that may be easier to employ and avoid the formation ofdistinct or prompt jump-type transition points on the blade 140, whichwould result from mechanical bending operations. In this regard, atransition zone 222 may be defined between the critical region 220 andits intersection with either or both the first and second non-criticalregions 200 and 210. In some cases, an amount of cupping in thetransition zone may change relatively slowly and/or evenly from theamount of cupping in the first and second non-critical regions 200 and210 to the amount of cupping in the critical region 220 (e.g., 20%higher than cupping in the non-critical regions). For example, thetransition zone 222 may be greater than half an inch long to avoid anyprompt jumps in cupping degree along the blade 140.

Referring to FIG. 4, it should be appreciated that when cupping isperformed on the blade 140 (e.g., over the entire length of the blade140), the cupping creates surface stresses on both a concave side 230and a convex side 240 of the blade 140. The concave side 230 isgenerally the top side when the blade 140 is used for measuring amedium, and generally has measurement markings disposed thereon. Theconcave side 230 may be expected to face away from the medium beingmeasured. The convex side 240 is typically the bottom side when theblade 140 is used for measuring, and lies next to the medium beingmeasured. As shown in FIG. 4, the concave side 230 and the convex side240 may have substantially matching degrees of concavity and convexity,respectively. In other words, the amount of curvature or cupping in thetransverse direction is substantially the same for both the concave side230 and the convex side 240 although one side is curved inward and theother outward. The curvature or cupping of the blade 140 may be providedduring the production process to generate the two substantially equaldegrees of curvature, and corresponding surface stresses as shown byarrows 250 in FIG. 4. In this regard, the production process mayinclude, as noted above, heating a metallic sheet material that has beencut to the desired width and then drawing the material through astructure that forms the drawn material to have the cupped transversecross section. This cupped structure may then be cooled and tempered,resulting in the surface stresses shown in FIG. 4.

Working a surface of a material such as metal using certain processesthat relieve the tensile stresses (e.g., residual surface stresses) onthe surface can modify the mechanical properties of the metals inpotentially positive ways. For example, relieving the tensile stresseson metallic surfaces (including replacement of tensile stresses withcompressive stresses) can strengthen the materials. In some cases, thestress relief operations cause surface materials to be spreadplastically to change mechanical properties of the surface to replacetensile stress with compressive stress. Such plastic deformation mayalso alter the shape of the surface that is plastically deformed.Moreover, in a case where opposing surfaces are treated differently(e.g., where one surface is plastically deformed to relieve tensilestresses and the opposing surface is not), a bending of the materialbetween the surfaces may result. Referring to FIG. 5, lowering tensilestresses on the surface of the convex side 240, while not alteringstresses on the surface of the concave side 230 may cause increasedcupping in the critical region 220 (as shown by arrows 260).

The working of the surface of the convex side 240 of the blade 140(i.e., surface treatment) in the critical region 220 may be accomplishedvia a number of different methods. For example, shot peening may be usedto cold work the convex side 240 of the blade 140 (at least in thecritical region 220). As an alternative to shot peening, water blasting,a bead brush, or other methods could be used to propel some materialagainst the surface of the convex side 240, which material may act likesmall ball peen hammers plastically deforming the surface of the convexside 240. The convex side 240 may plastically deform while reducingtensile stresses on the surface of the convex side 240 and cup furtherin the direction shown by arrow 260 in FIG. 5. Thus, the portion of theblade 140 (e.g., the critical region 220) that is worked or surfacetreated may have a greater degree of curvature or cupping than otherportions of the blade 140. In some cases, the degree of cupping may beincreased by at least 20%. However, more or less cupping can be achievedbased on altering the time period over which the surface treatment isprovided, the pressure employed, and/or other factors.

Unlike mechanical bending, the working of the surface using the methodsdescribed above does not create a prompt jump or distinct change in thedegree of cupping at the first and second ends of the critical region220. Instead, a gradual transition is formed as the material near thefirst and second ends of the critical region 220 is gradually altered inits curvature from no increased curvature immediately outside thecritical region 220 to full increased curvature at points more distantfrom the edges and within the critical region 220. The lack of adistinct change in cupping makes the blade 140 less susceptible tocatching on the aperture 150, and facilitates easier reeling.

Although some of the methods of surface treatment described above may beconsidered “cold” working, other surface treatment methods are alsopossible. For example, laser etching of the surface of the convex side240 of the blade 140 may be accomplished using a laser that removes(e.g., by burning, cutting or vaporization) material from the surface ofthe convex side 240 to relieve residual stresses on the surface. Thelaser may be used to remove material in any desirable pattern, andcertain patterns may result in better stress relief and or betterenhancement of cupping than others. Thus, the laser may be programmed tooperate under the control of a controller that is configured to removematerial in any desirable pattern that achieves the properties (e.g.,the degree of cupping) that are desired for the blade 140.

Some example embodiments may effectively add, between the first andsecond non-critical regions 200 and 210, a portion of the blade 140(e.g., at the critical region 220) that has enhanced cupping orcurvature relative to the amount of curvature of the blade 140 in thefirst and second non-critical regions 200 and 210. The width of theblade 140 in the critical region 220 may be slightly less than the widthof the blade 140 in the first and second non-critical regions 200 and210 due to the increased curvature of the blade 140 in the criticalregion 220. However, the thickness of the blade 140 may effectivelyremain unchanged, or at least any material removal or plasticdeformation may only create negligible changes to the thickness of theblade 140 in the critical region 220.

Although the area of enhanced cupping (e.g., in the critical region 220)may not experience a rapid or prompt change in the amount of cupping atends of the critical region 220 due to a gradual change in cupping beingexperienced at these points, the amount of cupping may otherwise besubstantially similar over interior portions of the critical region 220(e.g., portions thereof that are spaced apart from the respectiveopposing ends). However, if desired, the amount of cupping could beincreased even further at specific portions of the critical region 220to achieve a non-uniform amount of cupping within the critical region220. Additionally or alternatively, the entire length of the blade 140(or a substantial portion thereof) may be treated to increase the amountof cupping in the manner described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram for a method of producing a tapemeasuring device in accordance with an example embodiment. As shown inFIG. 6, the method may include cutting a sheet of flat coiled metal(e.g., steel) into strips of a desired width at operation 400. As anexample, if the metal sheet had a width of 24 inches and the desiredwidth (of the blade 140) is one inch, then 24, one inch strips may becut at operation 400. The method may include heating and drawing thestrips through a forming machine to generate cupped strips at operation410. The cupped strips may be curved by the forming machine while hot,and may then the cupped strips may be cooled at operation 420.Optionally, the cupped strips may be tempered at operation 430 prior tochopping of the cupped strips (tempered or otherwise) to form a cuppedblade at operation 440. The chopping of the cupped strips may cut thecupped strips to the desired length of the tape measuring device forwhich they will form the blade. For example, the cupped strips may bechopped to 10 ft, 25 ft, 35 ft or 50 ft lengths for respective differentmeasuring tapes. At operation 450, at least a portion of only the convexside of the cupped blade may be treated with surface treatment (e.g., astress relief operation). For example, the critical region of the cuppedblade may be treated with the stress relief operation that increases thesurface roughness of the area that is treated. As such, the convex sideof the blade in the critical region (e.g., only) may have increasedsurface roughness relative to all other portions of the blade. Thesurface treatment/stress relief operation may enhance the cupping (e.g.,the degree of curvature) of the cupped blade in the correspondingportion. Thereafter, the cupped blade may optionally be painted and/ormarked at operation 460 prior to final assembly of a measuring tapedevice (e.g., attaching the cupped blade to a reel assembly andproviding the same within a housing and affixing an end hook, etc.) atoperation 470. However, as will be mentioned below, operations 450 and460 could be swapped in their ordering in some cases.

As noted above, the treatment step (operation 450) can be accomplishedvia any of a number of different methods. Regardless of the method used,the resulting characteristics and structures of the blade 140 may bealtered in unique ways. As a result, when the blade 140 has been surfacetreated, various unique structural characteristics and combinations ofcharacteristics are possible. However, it should be appreciated that thesteps or operations associated with processing metal or other materialsto achieve the cupped blade may be changed with respect to theirspecific content or order in some cases. Thus, the method more generallycould be stated as providing a cupped blade with substantially uniformcupping over a longitudinal length of the blade and then performingoperation 450 (perhaps also followed by operations 460 and 470) on thecupped blade. As such, operations 400 to 440 could be one example of howto provide the cupped blade with the substantially uniform cupping overthe longitudinal length of the blade. FIGS. 7-14 show various charts,illustrations and other data that demonstrate comparisons betweensurface treated blades (or measuring tape devices) and those withoutsurface treatment.

FIG. 7, which is defined by FIGS. 7A and 7B, shows a chart of variouscharacteristics of a number of samples. FIG. 7 shows vertical rows foreach of a number of sample measuring tape devices with respectivedifferent blade characteristics. In this regard, FIG. 7 illustrates dataassociated with samples of five different measuring tape devices. Thedata for some of the measuring tape devices is averaged over multiplesamples. Three measuring tape devices (i.e., comparison tape 1,comparison tape 2, and comparison tape 3) are merely provided forcomparison purposes, and had blades that were not treated. However, theblades of two measuring tape devices were sampled both before surfacetreatment (as described herein) of the critical area and after suchtreatment. Row one data 500 shows data measured for a number ofcharacteristics of untreated tape 1, which is a measuring tape devicehaving a 25′ blade. Row two data 502 shows the same characteristicsmeasured for treated tape 1. Treated tape 1 differs from untreated tape1 only in that the critical region 220 of treated tape 1 has receivedthe surface treatment described herein.

Row three data 504 shows the same characteristics measured for untreatedtape 1 and treated tape 1, measured for untreated tape 2, which also hasa 25′ blade. Row four data 506 shows the same characteristics measuredfor treated tape 2. Treated tape 2 differs from untreated tape 2 only inthat the critical region 220 of treated tape 2 has received the surfacetreatment described herein. Row five data 508 shows the samecharacteristics measured for comparison tape 1. Row six data 510 showsthe same characteristics measured for comparison tape 2. Row seven data512 shows the same characteristics measured for comparison tape 3.

Weight characteristics (measured in pounds) for each measuring tapedevice are shown in the columns under the general weight category 520.In this regard, weight of the housing and end hook of each respectivemeasuring tape device are shown along with the weight of the respectiveblades (i.e., in the “tape” column) and the total weight. Since there iseffectively no change to the untreated tape 1 and untreated tape 2beyond application of surface treatment as described herein, it isnoteworthy that untreated tape 1 and treated tape 1 have the sameweights in each respect and untreated tape 2 and treated tape 2 alsohave the same weights in each respect. It is also noteworthy that theweight of the blade does not change due to the application of thesurface treatment described herein. Also noteworthy is the fact that theblades of untreated tape 1 and untreated tape 2 (along with theirtreated counterparts) are each under 0.5 pounds, whereas each of theblades of the comparison tapes is over 0.5 pounds. Accordingly,untreated tape 1 is the only studied measuring tape device with a totalweight of less than one pound, and both the tape measuring devices thathad treated blades weighed less than 1.12 pounds, whereas all of theother comparison tapes weigh greater than 1.13 pounds.

FIG. 7A also shows a width column 530 and a curve height column 532. Thewidth column 530 shows the width of the blade in a flat configuration(i.e., prior to any type of cupping). Meanwhile, the curve height isrepresentative of the height measured from the apex of the curve to thedistal ends of the wings of the blade after cupping has been provided tothe blade. FIG. 7A further shows a standout column 534, whichillustrates an average measured standout for each respective one of theblades of the measuring tape devices. As mentioned above, standout canbe increased in a number of ways. Thus, it is noteworthy that theheaviest blade tested (i.e., comparison tape 1) has the longest standoutat 145 inches. Also noteworthy is the increase in standout that isachieved between the untreated tape 1 (with a standout of 118.5 inches)and treated tape 1 (with a standout of 141 inches), and the increase instandout that is achieved between the untreated tape 2 (with a standoutof 116 inches) and treated tape 2 (with a standout of 137 inches). Ineach case, the untreated blade has a standout that is about 84% as longas the standout of the treated blade. As such, treating of the bladeachieves at last about an 18% increase in standout length without anycorresponding changes to the width or weight of the blade.

Column 536 illustrates a ratio of standout to flat width (i.e., a ratioof standout column 534 to width column 530). As can be seen by comparingtreated and untreated blades in FIG. 7A, the ratio is increased by atleast about 18% by applying the surface treatment of exampleembodiments. However, it should also be noted that the ratio of standoutto flat width for each treated blade example is at least 116.1, and nountreated blade achieves a ratio of at least 116.1. Although not shownin FIG. 7A, a ratio of standout to tape weight (i.e., weight of theblade) for the treated tape 1 is 307.9. The ratio of standout to tapeweight for treated tape 2 is 296.5. Meanwhile, the ratio of standout totape weight for the comparison tape that has the best standout (i.e.,comparison tape 1) is 231.6. Thus, a ratio of standout to tape weight ofgreater than 250 is achievable by performing surface treatment to theconvex side of the blade in accordance with an example embodiment.

Some other data shown in FIG. 7A includes a thickness column 538 forthickness (in inches) with paint and a thickness column 540 showingthickness (in inches) without paint. As can be seen from thicknesscolumns 538 and 540, the untreated tapes 1 and 2 (and their respectivetreated counterparts) have less thickness than each of the comparisontapes. A ratio of standout to thickness (without paint) for the treatedtape 1 is about 30,000, while the same ratio for treated tape 2 is about30,444. Meanwhile, the ratio of standout to thickness (without paint)for the comparison tape with the largest standout (i.e., comparison tape1) is about 27,358. Thus, the increases in standout are clearly notassociated with simply increasing the thickness of the blades. Instead,achievement of a ratio of standout to blade thickness of at least 28,000is achievable by performing surface treatment to the convex side of theblade in accordance with an example embodiment.

As can be appreciated from the data displayed above, surface treatmentin accordance with example embodiments provides an improvement in theratio of standout to width, but provides a very large improvement in theratio of standout to tape weight and ratio of standout to thickness. Nountreated blade could achieve a ratio of standout to tape weight ofgreater than 250 or a ratio of standout to thickness of greater than30,000. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that providing surfacetreatment of an example embodiment enables the provision of a blade thathas superior standout with less width and weight. As such, for any givenweight and/or width of a blade, providing surface treatment of anexample embodiment will dramatically increase standout (i.e., greaterthan 10% increase). Rather than taking the conventional approaches ofimproving standout with a wider, thicker and therefore generally heavierblade, standout can instead be achieved merely by providing surfacetreatments of an example embodiment while maintaining lighter, thinner,and/or narrower blades.

FIG. 7B shows further data relating to the force to collapse an inverted“U” tape shape flat to a table surface. This bend is opposite indirection to that discussed for standout above. In particular, column550 shows three separate forces needed to collapse the tape at variousdistances including 1 foot, 6 feet, and at the standout distance.

FIG. 8 illustrates a combination chart 600 showing curve height in avertical bar chart for each respective measuring tape device shown inFIG. 7. In FIG. 8, collapse force and thickness are each also plotted ona respective one of the bars for each respective measuring tape device.FIG. 9 illustrates a combination chart 610 having the same vertical barchart of FIG. 8 with thickness also plotted, except that each bar nowshows standout instead of collapse force.

FIG. 10 illustrates a chart 700 showing a number of characteristicsmeasured along with a variance of some of those characteristics measuredto the treated tape 1 of FIG. 7. The characteristics measured in FIG. 10can also be seen in the cross section views of the blades shown in FIGS.13-17. Some noteworthy distinctions may be observed from the data shownin FIG. 10. For example, the width of treated tape 1 at maximum standoutis lower than the width of any of the comparison tapes. Treated tape 2also has a width at maximum standout that is lower than any of thecomparison tapes. Meanwhile, height of treated tape 1 at maximumstandout is higher than the height of any of the comparison tapes. Awidth to height ratio (see column 705) of each of the treated tapes isalso less than the width to height ratio of each of the comparisontapes. The bottom radius (i.e., the radius of the circular portion ofthe blade) is shown in column 710. Of note, the bottom radius of each ofthe treated tapes is less than the bottom radius of each of thecomparison tapes. However, it should also be noted that the radius ofthe curved portion generally stays the same between each of the wingsfor the comparison tapes, but the radius of the curved portion changesfor the treated tapes. As such, column 712 shows the radius of thecurved portion of the treated tapes measured as a second location.Additionally, FIG. 10 shows wing length in column 714. As shown incolumn 714, wing length for each of the treated tapes is significantlyshorter than wing length for any of the comparison tapes.

FIG. 11 shows a graph 800 of load on the apex to collapse the blade andvertical displacement on the vertical axis, with respect to time on thehorizontal axis. In FIG. 11, curve 802 is for untreated tape 1, curve804 is for treated tape 1, curve 806 is for untreated tape 2, curve 808is for treated tape 2, curve 810 is for comparison tape 1, curve 812 isfor comparison tape 2, and curve 814 is for comparison tape 3. FIG. 12illustrates a chart 830 showing standout and collapse force measurementsfor each of the measuring tape devices mentioned above.

FIGS. 13-17 illustrate cross section views of the blade of each of themeasuring tape devices mentioned above at various different points,measured in an unloaded state. In this regard, the first view for eachfigure is a cross section view taken at a point 12 inches from thedistal end of the blade (i.e., from the location of the end hook). Thesecond view for each figure is a cross section view taken at a point 72inches from the distal end of the blade, and the third view for eachfigured is a cross section view taken at a point of maximum standout forthe corresponding blade (i.e., from FIG. 7A). Meanwhile, for measuringtape devices that include a fourth view, the fourth view represents theview at the point of maximum standout for a treated version of theblade.

Accordingly, FIG. 13, which is defined by FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D,illustrates cross sections for untreated tape 1 (i.e., FIGS. 13A, 13Band 13C) and for treated tape 1 (i.e., FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13D). In thisregard, FIG. 13A is cross section view of both treated tape 1 anduntreated tape 1 at a location 12 inches from the distal end of theblade. FIG. 13B is a cross section view of both treated tape 1 anduntreated tape 1 at a location 72 inches from the distal end of theblade. FIG. 13C illustrates a cross section view of only the untreatedtape 1 at the point of maximum standout (i.e., 118.5 inches). FIG. 13Dillustrates a cross section view of only the treated tape 1 at the pointof maximum standout (i.e., 141 inches). As can be appreciated from FIG.13A, an angle between the wings 904 and a bisecting line passing throughthe apex 902 (i.e., a wing angle) is greater than 45 degrees. Meanwhile,the wing angle is substantially less than 45 degrees in FIG. 13D, and isabout 30 degrees. The wings 904 may be reduced in size by theapplication of the surface treatment to the convex side of the blade.Moreover, in some cases, the wings 904 may be masked during theapplication of the surface treatment to protect a portion of the wingsfrom receiving surface treatment in an effort to control the specificlength of the wings 904.

In FIG. 13, a curved portion 900 of the blade includes the apex 902, andhas a corresponding radius. The radius decreases from 0.569 inches to0.5819 inches from the 12 inch location to the 72 inch location.Meanwhile, in the critical region (i.e., at the point of maximumstandout of FIG. 13C), the untreated tape 1 begins to demonstrate twodifferent radiuses, with a radius of 0.289 inches near the apex 902, anda radius that increases to 0.6831 inches as the wings 904 areapproached. In the critical region for the treated tape 1 (as shown inFIG. 13D), the first radius is larger (i.e., 0.373 inches) than thefirst radius of FIG. 13C, and the second radius in the curved portion900 is smaller (i.e., 0.4003 inches) than the second radius of FIG. 13C.Lengths of the wings are also much shorter (i.e., 0.1355 inches) in FIG.13D than in FIG. 13C. As can be appreciated from FIG. 13D, blade widthreduces significantly to 0.8116 inches from 0.9354 inches by virtue ofthe surface treatment to the convex side of the blade being conducted inthe critical region 220. Another notable change caused by the surfacetreatment of the convex side of the blade is that the ratio of width toheight changes substantially. In the critical region (exemplified byFIG. 13D), the ratio of width to height is about 2.24. Meanwhile theratio of width to height outside the critical region (exemplified byFIG. 13A) is about 4.26. Thus, a reduction in the ratio of width toheight of nearly 50% is achievable via providing surface treatment onthe convex side of the blade. Meanwhile, the ratio of width to heightachievable without such surface treatment is 2.88 (i.e., in FIG. 13C),which is less than 40%.

FIG. 14, which is defined by FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D, illustratescross sections for untreated tape 2 (i.e., FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C) andfor treated tape 2 (i.e., FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14D). In this regard, FIG.14A is cross section view of both treated tape 2 and untreated tape 2 ata location 12 inches from the distal end of the blade. FIG. 14B is across section view of both treated tape 2 and untreated tape 2 at alocation 72 inches from the distal end of the blade. FIG. 14Cillustrates a cross section view of only the untreated tape 2 at thepoint of maximum standout (i.e., 116 inches). FIG. 14D illustrates across section view of only the treated tape 2 at the point of maximumstandout (i.e., 137 inches).

In FIG. 14, a curved portion 910 of the blade includes the apex 912, andhas a corresponding radius. The radius decreases from 0.4736 inches to0.4687 inches from the 12 inch location to the 72 inch location.Meanwhile, in the critical region (i.e., at the point of maximumstandout of FIG. 14D), the untreated tape 2 begins to demonstrate twodifferent radiuses, with a radius of 0.4312 inches near the apex 912,and a radius that increases to 1.0927 inches as the wings 914 areapproached. Lengths of the wings are also much shorter (i.e., 0.1006inches) in FIG. 14D than in FIG. 14C (i.e., 0.2220 inches). As can beappreciated from FIG. 14D, blade width reduces significantly to 0.8871inches from 0.9741 inches by virtue of the surface treatment to theconvex side of the blade being conducted in the critical region 220.

FIG. 15, which is defined by FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C, illustrates crosssections for comparison tape 1. In this regard, FIG. 15A is crosssection view of the blade of the comparison tape 1 at a location 12inches from the distal end of the blade. FIG. 15B is a cross sectionview of the blade of the comparison tape 1 at a location 72 inches fromthe distal end of the blade. FIG. 15C illustrates a cross section viewof the blade of the comparison tape 1 at the point of maximum standout(i.e., 145 inches). As can be appreciated from FIG. 15C, which shows thesmallest angle between the wings 924 and a bisecting line passingthrough the apex 922 (i.e., the wing angle) that is achievable for anyof the comparison tapes, the wing angle is significantly larger than 30degrees.

In FIG. 15, a curved portion 920 of the blade includes the apex 922, andhas a corresponding radius. The radius decreases from 0.6379 inches to0.5637 inches from the 12 inch location to the 72 inch location, andfurther decreases to 0.4537 inches at the location of maximum standout(i.e., in the critical region). Of note, even in the critical region,there is only one radius over the entire curved portion 920. Meanwhile,lengths of the wings 924 actually increase from 0.1688 inches at 12inches (in FIG. 15A) to 0.1822 inches in the critical region (as shownin FIG. 15C). As can be appreciated from FIGS. 15A to 15C, blade widthreduces significantly from 1.0915 inches to 1.0458 inches from the 12inch location to the 72 inch location, and further decreases to 0.9557inches at the location of maximum standout (i.e., in the criticalregion). A ratio of width to height in the critical region (i.e., FIG.15C) is about 2.72 and the same ratio in the non-critical region (e.g.,in FIG. 15A) is about 4.09. Thus, a change in the ratios is less than40%. Accordingly, achieving changes in the ratio of width to height ofgreater than 40% are achievable by surface treatment of the convex sideof the blade, but are not achievable without such treatment.

FIG. 16, which is defined by FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C, illustrates crosssections for comparison tape 2. In this regard, FIG. 16A is crosssection view of the blade of the comparison tape 2 at a location 12inches from the distal end of the blade. FIG. 16B is a cross sectionview of the blade of the comparison tape 2 at a location 72 inches fromthe distal end of the blade. FIG. 16C illustrates a cross section viewof the blade of the comparison tape 2 at the point of maximum standout(i.e., 133 inches).

In FIG. 16, a curved portion 930 of the blade includes the apex 932, andhas a corresponding radius. The radius decreases from 0.7820 inches to0.5968 inches from the 12 inch location to the 72 inch location, andfurther decreases to 0.4828 inches at the location of maximum standout(i.e., in the critical region). Of note, even in the critical region,there is only one radius over the entire curved portion 930. Meanwhile,lengths of the wings 934 actually increase from 0.1498 inches at 12inches (in FIG. 16A) to 0.1774 inches in the critical region (as shownin FIG. 16C). As can be appreciated from FIGS. 16A to 16C, blade widthreduces significantly from 1.1390 inches to 1.0722 inches from the 12inch location to the 72 inch location, and further decreases to 0.9853inches at the location of maximum standout (i.e., in the criticalregion).

FIG. 17, which is defined by FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C, illustrates crosssections for comparison tape 3. In this regard, FIG. 17A is crosssection view of the blade of the comparison tape 3 at a location 12inches from the distal end of the blade. FIG. 17B is a cross sectionview of the blade of the comparison tape 3 at a location 72 inches fromthe distal end of the blade. FIG. 17C illustrates a cross section viewof the blade of the comparison tape 3 at the point of maximum standout(i.e., 132 inches).

In FIG. 17, a curved portion 940 of the blade includes the apex 942, andhas a corresponding radius. The radius decreases from 0.7195 inches to0.6536 inches from the 12 inch location to the 72 inch location, andfurther decreases to 0.4983 inches at the location of maximum standout(i.e., in the critical region). Of note, even in the critical region,there is only one radius over the entire curved portion 940. Meanwhile,lengths of the wings 944 decrease slightly from 0.2643 inches at 12inches (in FIG. 17A) to 0.2464 inches in the critical region (as shownin FIG. 17C). As can be appreciated from FIGS. 17A to 17C, blade widthreduces significantly from 1.1551 inches to 1.1292 inches from the 12inch location to the 72 inch location, and further decreases to 1.0437inches at the location of maximum standout (i.e., in the criticalregion).

FIG. 26, which is defined by FIGS. 26A, 26B and 26C, illustratesmeasurements taken along sample blades in accordance with an exampleembodiment. In this regard, FIG. 26A illustrates a plurality of testpoints taken along a length of the blade 991, and a corresponding chordlength 993 measured at each respective test point for a first sampleblade. A height 995 of the blade from the apex to the distal ends of thelateral sides of the blade (i.e., the ends of the wings) is shown alongwith the thickness of the blade 997 and the paint thickness 999. FIGS.26B and 26C illustrate the same parameters measured for respective onesof a second sample blade and a third sample blade.

A number of ways of achieving increased cupping may also be provided.For example, FIGS. 18-21 illustrate some alternative methods by which toachieve cupping. In this regard, FIG. 18, which is defined by FIGS. 18Aand 18B, illustrates two implementations for a first way of achievingincreased cupping in the critical region by providing stress relief to aconvex side of the blade 140 using shot peen cold working in accordancewith an example embodiment. FIG. 19 illustrates another way of achievingincreased cupping in the critical region by providing stress relief tothe convex side of the blade 140 using bead brush cold working inaccordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 20 illustrates a stillanother way of achieving increased cupping in the critical region byproviding stress relief to the convex side of the blade 140 using laseretching in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 21 illustrates ayet another way of achieving increased cupping in the critical region byproviding stress relief to the convex side of the blade 140 using waterblasting in accordance with an example embodiment.

The working of the surface of the convex side 240 of the blade 140 inthe critical region 220 may be accomplished via a number of differentmethods. For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, a shot peening assembly 300may be used to cold work the convex side 240 of the blade 140 (at leastin the critical region 220). The shot peening assembly 300 may include ahigh pressure air line 310 and a shot line 320 that enables shot 322entering a pressurized air stream from the high pressure air line 310 tobe propelled against the surface of the convex side 240 via a nozzle324. The shot 322 may act like small ball peen hammers plasticallydeforming the surface of the convex side 240. The convex side 240 mayplastically deform while reducing tensile stresses on the surface of theconvex side 240 and cup further in the direction shown by arrow 260 inFIG. 5. Thus, the portion of the blade 140 (e.g., the critical region220) that is cold worked using shot peening by the shot peening assembly300 may have a greater degree of curvature or cupping than otherportions of the blade 140. In some cases, the degree of cupping may beincreased by at least 20%. However, more or less cupping can be achievedbased on altering the time period over which the shot 322 is propelledagainst the surface of the convex side 240, the size of the shot 322,the pressure employed in the high pressure air line 310 or otherfactors. In an example embodiment, the shot 322 could be embodied assand, metal, plastic, or other rigid materials. Metal may be used insome cases in order to extend the life of the shot 322, and allow forreuse of shot 322. However, plastic materials may be preferred for theshot 322 in other cases. For example, plastic may abrade surfaces lessthan metal or sand. Thus, in certain instances, such as when the blade140 is already painted and/or printed, plastic materials may beadvantageous for use as the shot 322. In effect, if the productionprocess includes painting and/or printing the blade 140 before peening,then the use of plastic shot may be preferable.

If shot peening is employed in the critical region 220, the shot 322 maybombard the surface of the convex side 240 from a first end of thecritical region 220 to a second and opposite end of the critical region220. However, unlike mechanical bending, the working of the surfaceusing shot peening does not create a prompt jump or distinct change inthe degree of cupping at the first and second ends of the criticalregion 220. Instead, a gradual transition is formed as the material nearthe first and second ends of the critical region 220 is graduallyaltered in its curvature from no increased curvature immediately outsidethe critical region 220 to full increased curvature at points moredistant from the edges and within the critical region 220. The lack of adistinct change in cupping makes the blade 140 less susceptible tocatching on the aperture 150, and facilitates easier reeling.

The shot peening assembly 300 may include a single nozzle 324, as shownin FIG. 18A. However, the addition of more nozzles may be helpful inimproving throughput in some cases. As such, FIG. 18B illustrates aplurality of nozzles 324 and rollers 326 for conveying the blade 140proximate to the nozzles 324. As can be appreciated from the shotpeening assembly 300′ of FIG. 18B, increasing the number of nozzles 324may correspondingly increase throughput for the system. In this regard,for example, more nozzles 324 may enable the provision of an equalamount of peen to a surface over a higher blade feed rate. Thus, therollers 326 may convey the blade 140 past the nozzles 324 at a higherspeed than the shot peening assembly 300 of FIG. 18A, which only has asingle nozzle 324. In some cases, the blade 140 may be printed withmarkers 327 that indicate specific lengths along the blade 140. Aphotoeye 328 may be provided to detect the markers 327 and controlcircuitry 329 may operate the nozzles 324 to apply shot 322 over onlyselected ranges of the blade 140, as determined from the markers 327. Inthis regard, the markers 327 could directly indicate start and stoppoints for peening. Alternatively, the markers 327 may be used by thecontrol circuitry 329 to determine the selected range (e.g., thecritical region 220) that is to be peened. For example, if the criticalrange 220 is from 7 feet to 15 feet, the markers 327 could indicate astart point at 7 feet and a stop point at 15 feet. Alternatively, themarkers 327 could indicate foot long intervals and the control circuitry329 could detect the marker indicating 7 feet to start peening anddetect the marker indicating 15 feet and stop peening.

In an example embodiment, the control circuitry 329 may be configured tointerface with the rollers 326 to control the feed rate and theorientation of the blade 140 relative to the nozzles 324. The feed ratemay be controlled based on the portion of the blade 140 that is passingbelow the nozzles 324. For example, the feed rate may be high from zeroto 7 feet, and then slow down from 7 feet to 15 feet for the applicationof peening. After the 15 foot point, peening may be stopped and the feedrate may again be increased by the control circuitry 329. This variablefeed rate control may enable the control circuitry 329 to minimize theoverall processing time and machine capacity while maximizing theeffectiveness of cupping that is performed by the peening process. Anaccumulator may be provided on either side of the nozzles 324 to allowcontrol of the feed rate during the treatment of the entire blade 140.Other parameters may also be adjustable or otherwise controlled by thecontrol circuitry 329. For example, the air pressure in the highpressure air line 310 may be increased or decreased responsive toadjustments implemented by the control circuitry 329. Alternatively oradditionally, a valve or other control component may be inserted in theshot line 320, and operated by the control circuitry 329, to enable theamount of shot 322 that is fed into the shot line 320 to be controlled.Thus, the material flow rate into the shot line 320 may be controlled bythe control circuitry 329.

As an alternative to shot peening, stress relief operations may beperformed by cold working using a bead brush assembly 330 as shown inFIG. 19. In this regard, a rotating shaft 332 may be operably coupled toa rim assembly 334 on which a plurality of beads 336 may be mounted inrandom or predetermined patterns. As the shaft 332 rotates, the rimassembly 334 may carry the beads 336 rapidly about the axis of rotationof the shaft 332 while the beads 336 are allowed to contact a surface ofthe convex side 240 of the blade 140 (e.g., at least in the criticalregion 220). The beads 336 may, like the shot 322 in the example above,impact the surface of the convex side 240 and plastically deform thesurface to relieve tensile stresses in the surface. This may increasethe surface area of the surface of the convex side 240 to increasecupping in a similar manner to that described above (i.e., withoutcreating a distinct transition point).

As yet another alternative, laser etching of the surface of the convexside 240 of the blade 140 may be accomplished using a laser 340 as shownin FIG. 20. In the example of FIG. 20, the laser etching may remove(e.g., by burning, cutting or vaporization) material from the surface ofthe convex side 240 to relieve residual stresses on the surface. Thelaser 340 may be used to remove material in any desirable pattern, andcertain patterns may result in better stress relief and or betterenhancement of cupping than others. Thus, the laser 340 may beprogrammed to operate under the control of a controller that isconfigured to remove material in any desirable pattern that achieves theproperties (e.g., the degree of cupping) that are desired for the blade140. As still another alternative, shown in FIG. 21, a water blastingassembly 350 that may use high pressure water to bombard the surface ofthe convex side 240 to plastically deform and/or remove material toreduce residual stresses on the surface.

The term standout, as applied above, is a generic term describing theextension of a blade out of the housing or casing of a measuring tapedevice prior to loss of sufficient rigidity to maintain continuedstandout, at which point collapse and bending of the blade occurs. Thephenomenon of collapse, bending or loss of rigidity may therefore happenat a point of breakthrough standout (i.e., a standout at whichbreakthrough occurs). However, it can be appreciated that the point ofbreakthrough standout for each blade may depend on the bladeconstruction and treatment, and also based on the manner in which themeasuring tape device is held during the extension of the blade to thepoint of breakthrough standout. As such, standout (or breakthroughstandout) for any given blade construction/treatment may actually have anumber of different values depending on the measurement method (e.g.,how the device is held during extension).

FIGS. 22 to 25 illustrate a number of specifically defined measurementmethods and corresponding data gathered for a blade with increasedcupping (treated in the critical region as described herein—referred toas “treated CR”), and a number of other blades that are not treated asdescribed herein. The comparison blades will be referred to as Compare1, Compare 2, Compare 3, and Compare 4. Referring first to FIG. 22,which is defined by FIGS. 22A and 22B, a historical test methodology fordetermining a breakthrough standout in accordance with an exampleembodiment is shown. The historical test methodology is defined inreference to FIG. 22A and corresponding measured data is shown in FIG.22B. FIG. 22A shows a measuring tape device 1000 with blade 1010extended therefrom through a test rig 1020. The test rig 1020 redirectsthe blade 1010 at a fixed upward angle until a point of breakthroughstandout 1030. Thus, the point of breakthrough standout 1030 of FIG. 22Amay be referred to as a historical breakthrough standout. FIG. 22Billustrates average measured values for historical breakthrough standoutfor the treated CR blade and each of the comparison blades, anddemonstrates that the historical breakthrough standout for the treatedCR blade at about 12.1 feet.

FIG. 23, which is defined by FIGS. 23A and 23B, shows a droop testmethodology for determining a breakthrough standout in accordance withan example embodiment. The droop test methodology is defined inreference to FIG. 23A and corresponding measured data is shown in FIG.23B. FIG. 23A shows the measuring tape device 1000 being held at aheight (A1) with blade 1010 extended therefrom substantially parallel tothe ground and allowed to droop. The blade 1010 may extend a distancefrom the point of origin (B1) to a point of breakthrough standout 1040.Thus, the point of breakthrough standout 1040 of FIG. 23A may bereferred to as a droop breakthrough standout. FIG. 23B illustratesaverage measured values for droop breakthrough standout for the treatedCR blade and each of the comparison blades, and demonstrates that thedroop breakthrough standout for the treated CR blade at about 13.4 feet.

FIG. 24, which is defined by FIGS. 24A and 24B, shows a utility testmethodology for determining a breakthrough standout in accordance withan example embodiment. The utility test methodology is defined inreference to FIG. 24A and corresponding measured data is shown in FIG.24B. FIG. 24A shows the measuring tape device 1000 being held relativelyclose to ground level with blade 1010 extended therefrom at a slightupward angle (D3) relative to the ground and allowed to droop toward theground. The upward angle (D3) is generally increased enough to continueextending the blade 1010 without touching the ground until thebreakthrough standout is reached. The blade 1010 may therefore extend adistance from the point of origin (B3) to a point of breakthroughstandout 1050. Thus, the point of breakthrough standout 1050 of FIG. 24Amay be referred to as a utility breakthrough standout since it resemblesthe most likely situation encountered under normal usage of themeasuring tape device 1000. FIG. 24B illustrates average measured valuesfor utility breakthrough standout for the treated CR blade and each ofthe comparison blades, and demonstrates that the utility breakthroughstandout for the treated CR blade at about 12.3 feet.

FIG. 25, which is defined by FIGS. 25A and 25B, shows a maximum standouttest methodology for determining a breakthrough standout in accordancewith an example embodiment. The maximum standout test methodology isdefined in reference to FIG. 25A and corresponding measured data isshown in FIG. 25B. FIG. 25A shows the measuring tape device 1000 beingheld with blade 1010 extended therefrom at an upward angle (D2) relativeto the ground and allowed to droop toward the ground. The upward angle(D2) is generally increased enough to continue extending the blade 1010until the largest possible breakthrough standout is reached. The blade1010 may therefore extend a distance from the point of origin (B2) to apoint of maximum breakthrough standout 1060. Thus, the point of maximumbreakthrough standout 1060 of FIG. 25A may be referred to as a maximumbreakthrough standout since it reflects the largest possible standout ofthe measuring tape device 1000. FIG. 25B illustrates the case anglerequired to achieve the maximum breakthrough standout for the treated CRblade and each of the comparison blades. The corresponding maximumstandout for each comparison blade is also listed, and therefore FIG.25B demonstrates that the maximum breakthrough standout for the treatedCR blade at about 14 feet, which is a foot longer than any other blade,regardless of angle.

In an example embodiment, a blade for a measuring tape device may beprovided. The blade may include a first end configured to extend from ahousing of the measuring tape device through an aperture, a second endconfigured to be wound on a reel assembly within the housing, and afirst cupped portion having a first amount of cupping over a selectedportion of a longitudinal length of the blade. The first cupped portionmay be defined by a curved portion extending from an apex of the curvedportion toward lateral edges of the blade, and wings extending from eachof the lateral edges toward the curved portion on each side of the apex.The curved portion may include a first radius proximate to the apex ofthe curved portion, and a second radius at a point spaced apart from theapex on both sides of the apex, the second radius being different thanthe first radius. Alternatively or additionally, the curved portion mayinclude a first radius proximate to the apex of the curved portion, anda second radius at a point spaced apart from the apex on both sides ofthe apex, the second radius being different than the first radius

In some cases, the above described features/aspects of the blade may beaugmented or modified, or additional features/aspects operations may beincluded. For example, in some cases, a stress relief operation may beapplied to the selected portion on only a convex side of the blade tocause the first amount of cupping to be larger than a second amount ofcupping provided at a second cupped portion of the blade outside of thefirst cupped portion. In some cases, the first amount of cupping may beat least 20% greater than the second amount of cupping. In an exampleembodiment, a transition zone may be defined between the selectedportion and the other portions, and wherein an amount of cupping in thetransition zone transitions from the first amount of cupping to thesecond amount of cupping, and wherein the transition zone may be greaterthan half an inch long. In some cases, a ratio standout to width of theblade may be greater than 116.1. In an example embodiment, a ratio ofstandout to blade thickness may be at least 28,000. In some cases, aratio of standout to weight is at least 250. In some cases, the firstcupped portion is spaced apart from the first end and the second end ofthe blade to extend over a critical region of the blade at which maximumstandout is expected to occur. A second amount of cupping may beprovided at a second cupped portion of the blade outside of the firstcupped portion. Lengths of the wings in the first cupped portion may besmaller than a length of wings in the second cupped portion. In anexample embodiment, a maximum blade width in the second cupped portionmay be at least 20% larger than minimum blade width in the first cuppedportion. In some cases, a cross section of the blade may define aparabolic shape extending from the apex toward each respective one ofthe wings. In an example embodiment, a length of the wings may be lessthan about 0.14 inches. In some cases, a change in a ratio of width toheight between the first cupped portion and the second cupped portionmay be greater than about 40%. In some cases, surface roughness on aconvex side of the blade in the selected portion may be higher thansurface roughness of a concave side of the blade. Alternatively oradditionally, surface roughness on a convex side of the blade in theselected portion may be higher than surface roughness of the concaveside of the blade outside the selected portion. Alternatively oradditionally, surface roughness is substantially constant over a concaveside of the blade, and wherein the surface roughness on a convex side ofthe blade changes along the longitudinal length of the blade.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certainexemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should beappreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions maybe provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scopeof the appended claims. In this regard, for example, differentcombinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitlydescribed above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of theappended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions toproblems are described herein, it should be appreciated that suchadvantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some exampleembodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, anyadvantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thoughtof as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or tothat which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employedherein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor purposes of limitation.

1-7. (canceled)
 8. A blade for a measuring tape device, the bladecomprising: a first end configured to extend from a housing of themeasuring tape device through an aperture; a second end configured to bewound on a reel assembly within the housing; and a first cupped portionhaving a first amount of cupping over a selected portion of alongitudinal length of the blade, wherein the first cupped portion isdefined by a curved portion extending from an apex of the curved portiontoward lateral edges of the blade, and wings extending from each of thelateral edges toward the curved portion on each side of the apex, andwherein the curved portion includes a first radius proximate to the apexof the curved portion, and a second radius at a point spaced apart fromthe apex on both sides of the apex, the second radius being differentthan the first radius, wherein the first cupped portion is spaced apartfrom the first end and the second end of the blade to extend over acritical region of the blade at which maximum standout is expected tooccur, wherein a second amount of cupping provided at a second cuppedportion of the blade outside of the first cupped portion, whereinlengths of the wings in the first cupped portion is smaller than alength of wings in the second cupped portion.
 9. The blade of claim 8,wherein a maximum blade width in the second cupped portion is at least20% larger than minimum blade width in the first cupped portion.
 10. Theblade of claim 8, wherein a cross section of the blade defines aparabolic shape extending from the apex toward each respective one ofthe wings.
 11. The blade of claim 8, wherein a length of the wings isless than about 0.14 inches.
 12. The blade of claim 8, wherein a changein a ratio of width to height between the first cupped portion and thesecond cupped portion is greater than 40%. 13-31. (canceled)
 32. Ameasuring tape device comprising: a housing having an aperture; a reelassembly; and a blade, the blade comprising: a first end configured toextend from the housing through the aperture; a second end configured tobe wound on the reel assembly; and a first cupped portion having a firstamount of cupping over a selected portion of a longitudinal length ofthe blade, wherein the first cupped portion is defined by a curvedportion extending from an apex of the curved portion toward lateraledges of the blade, and wings extending from each of the lateral edgestoward the curved portion on each side of the apex, wherein the curvedportion includes a first radius proximate to the apex of the curvedportion, and a second radius at a point spaced apart from the apex onboth sides of the apex, the second radius being different than the firstradius, wherein the first cupped portion is spaced apart from the firstend and the second end of the blade to extend over a critical region ofthe blade at which maximum standout is expected to occur, wherein asecond amount of cupping provided at a second cupped portion of theblade outside of the first cupped portion, and wherein lengths of thewings in the first cupped portion is smaller than a length of wings inthe second cupped portion.
 33. The device of claim 32, wherein a maximumblade width in the second cupped portion is at least 20% larger thanminimum blade width in the first cupped portion.
 34. The device of claim32, wherein a cross section of the blade defines a parabolic shapeextending from the apex toward each respective one of the wings.
 35. Thedevice of claim 32, wherein a length of the wings is less than about0.14 inches.
 36. The device of claim 32, wherein a change in a ratio ofwidth to height between the first cupped portion and the second cuppedportion is greater than 40%. 37-43. (canceled)